Searching For Life - Where to Look Worksheet (1) (1)

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Geology

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Feb 20, 2024

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Searching For Life Part 1: Identifying Places to Search In the introduction, it was noted that one of the best ways to find out if life ever existed on another planet is to send a laboratory to the planet. Mars shows many indications that it was much warmer and wetter in the past, and may have been capable of supporting life. In fact, there is some evidence to suggest there may still be liquid water just below the surface, which may provide a habitat for simple organisms. It’s also one of the closer bodies to us, making it a little cheaper to get to and easier to observe. These combined factors make it one of our favorite places to search for life. There are two things a science team needs to consider in choosing where to send a robotic laboratory: likelihood of finding evidence for life and mission safety. This part of the activity is focused on the likelihood of finding evidence for life. Warm-Up Questions Begin by discussing these two questions with your group, and come up with a single answer everyone in your group can agree on. Your answers will be your guide for the next part. 1. What do you think are the two most important criteria that need to be met to assure the best likelihood of detecting life, past or present? Explain your reasoning. Identifying regions within a planetary system or celestial body where conditions are conducive to life is essential. This involves determining the habitable zone, also known as the Goldilocks zone, where the distance from the star allows for the presence of liquid water. Water is a fundamental requirement for life as we know it, and its liquid state is particularly important for biochemical processes. Exploring planets and moons within the habitable zone increases the likelihood of finding environments suitable for life. Developing the capability to recognize potential biosignatures is crucial. Biosignatures are observable indicators that suggest the presence of life. These could include specific chemical compounds, such as certain gases or organic molecules, which might be produced by living organisms. Additionally, the detection of patterns or anomalies in the atmospheric or geological composition that are difficult to explain through purely abiotic processes could serve as potential biosignatures. Advanced instruments and technologies capable of analyzing and interpreting these signatures are necessary for a comprehensive search for life. These criteria are interconnected, as understanding habitability zones guides the selection of target celestial bodies, and the analysis of biosignatures helps confirm the presence of life-supporting conditions. The search for extraterrestrial life requires a combination of astrophysical, biochemical, and technological approaches to maximize the chances of detection. Page 1 of 5

2. What do you think are the two most important things to be avoided to assure the best likelihood of detecting life, past or present? Explain your reasoning. Reasoning: To accurately detect and study potential extraterrestrial life, it is essential to prevent contamination from Earth organisms. Contamination could occur through spacecraft, probes, or other equipment sent to other celestial bodies. If microorganisms from Earth were inadvertently introduced to another planet or moon, it could compromise the scientific integrity of any subsequent experiments aimed at detecting native life forms. Strict sterilization protocols and cleanliness measures are necessary to minimize the risk of contaminating extraterrestrial environments. Reasoning: To avoid misinterpretations, it's crucial to minimize the likelihood of false positives in the detection of life-related signatures. False positives could arise from natural processes or non-biological sources that mimic the signs of life. Scientists must carefully consider and rule out alternative explanations for observed phenomena. Developing robust criteria for identifying life-related signatures and continually refining those criteria based on scientific understanding are essential to reduce the risk of misinterpretation and ensure that any detected signals are truly indicative of extraterrestrial life. By addressing these concerns, scientists can improve the chances of accurately detecting signs of life, whether past or present, and contribute to our understanding of the potential existence of life beyond Earth. Page 2 of 5

Maps Table 1 has a list of global maps, with links to the original source, when available. The maps are also available at https://dept.astro.lsa.umich.edu/ugactivities/Labs/life/maps.html. 3. Place a check in the second column for every map you think will be useful in picking a landing site. Remember, at this point you’re looking for places likely to have evidence for life. 4. In the third column, explain why you think it will or will not be useful. You should refer to your answers to questions 1 & 2. The following information about the maps may be helpful in determining the usefulness of each map. Most of the maps have some data missing, which usually shows up as gaps of gray or black. ● Photographic maps are compiled from optical wavelength images meant to represent what it actually looks like. ● Topographic maps show elevation, usually using color, with shading to indicate surface features. Contour maps are similar, but use lines superimposed over another map, like a photographic map. ● Ion maps show areas where there are a lot of a particular type of ion, usually detected from orbit. ● Mineral maps show the composition of the planet's surface, usually detected from orbit. ● Gravitational anomaly maps show the density of the crust – higher gravity equates to denser materials. Table 1: Available Maps Map Useful? Reason MOLA topographic See Also "Elevation" at http://www.google.com/mars/ yes Topographic maps like MOLA can help identify surface features and elevation, which is crucial for understanding the landscape and potential habitability. Elevation influences atmospheric conditions and water presence. H ion abundance – equatorial yes Ion maps, specifically hydrogen ion abundance, can provide insights into potential water content. High hydrogen ion abundance may indicate the presence of water, a key factor for the possibility of life. H ion abundance - poles yes Similar to the equatorial map, examining hydrogen ion abundance at the poles can help identify potential water sources. The poles are known to have ice deposits, which could be relevant for habitability. Hydrated mineral map from Mars Express yes Hydrated minerals are associated with the presence of water. This map can help identify regions where water-related minerals are present, providing clues about past or present water availability. Photographic Atlas of Mars at http://www.msss.com/mars_images/ moc/moc_atlas/ yes Photographic maps provide a visual representation of the surface, allowing for the identification of specific features that might be relevant to life, such as geological formations or surface textures. Mars Global Surveyor gravitational anomaly map yes Gravitational anomaly maps can reveal variations in the density of the crust. Higher density may indicate geological activity or specific types of rocks that could be associated with habitable Page 3 of 5

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